IN SEARCH OF A HORSE. 86 



An easy mode of preserving the elasticity, is by 

 allowing 'a small space to remain between the shoe 

 and the quarters, or that part of the hoof where the 

 bars begin; the separation between the iron and the 

 hoof at this point, should not be less than the eighth 

 of an inch. When the horse is shod in this*mannjer, 

 it is easy to observe the elastic character of the foot. 

 When the foot is on the ground, no space will be per- 

 ceptible ; the expansion of the foot will be such that 

 the iron will appear in close contact with the hoof: 

 when, however, the foot is raised the space will be- 

 come visible ; and it will be found that this cannot 

 proceed from the shoe lodging itself in the hoof by 

 the pressure ; for if this were the reason, the iron 

 would become bent, and remain lodged after the foot 

 left the gi:ound. It is not that the iron plate is 

 pressed into the foot, but the elasticity of the foot 

 makes it descend to the iron. A skilful smith will 

 always fasten on the shoes upon this principle. 

 Practically, many of them understand it, for you 

 frequently hear them explain accidental lameness by 

 saying that the shoe has been put on "too tight:" 

 the operation, however, of this " tight" shoeing, in 

 impeding the elasticity of the tread, and thereby oc- 



